Dylans Walk, by Hetty Mosforth
Sydney Gardens Tree Weekender writing competition — this piece was selected by our volunteer judges as worthy to be included on a long list. Competition entrants were asked to write a poem or prose piece of 250 words or fewer on the theme of trees in parks and public gardens, as well as identify the local park or garden, the trees in which inspired them.
Two people look out across the park and its lake through Dylan’s eyes. Him now and him then, five years old and balancing on a three-wheel tricycle, pads strapped to his chubby elbows and knees. Dylan now can name and identify the trees that Dylan then loved for their shapes and colours; the umber leaves turning black and slick on the ground in autumn, the green and secretive budding of leaves in spring.
The lake has ordinary magic. Circled by pathways and saplings, it was scooped out of the ground fifty years back, to make an oasis in a commuter town. Holding the River Arrow for a moment, on its journey to join the Avon, the lake shines on sunny days and mimics the clouds on grey ones. Its occupants are numerous; temporary visitors include Canada geese that arrow away south in the winter, and mothers that labour from end to end, pushing their little ones in pushchairs. There are permanent residents too, like the otter that has claimed the small islands at its heart for a home, and the ash and birch trees that fortify themselves by its shore, their trunks growing broader, year on year.
This is what Dylan saw then and what he sees now. Tricycle-less and fully grown, he sets off to walk around the park, a child’s joy and a grown up’s understanding mingling in his heart.
Arrow Valley Country park, Redditch
Hetty is an English Literature graduate from Somerville College. She has previously been published by the Writers’ HQ and StoneCrop Review. When not reading or writing, she enjoys exploring new places and drinking lots of tea.
Read other long listed pieces here. From 24 November, discover whether this piece made the shortlist — you can listen to it using the Echoes.xyz app either within or around Sydney Gardens in Bath or remotely.
Find out about all the events running on-line or in Sydney Gardens over the Tree Weekender on 27 & 28 November 2021, and look out especially for the Celebratory Finale Showcase at which the Competition winners and runners-up will be announced.
With special thanks to Dr Richard White and undergraduate students in Participatory Media at Bath Spa University for their support in making the geo-located audio pieces.
